“FG Considers Importing Improved Pasture Seeds, Not Grass”

The federal government has said that it is considering importing improved pasture seeds for intensified cultivated pastures and not grass for the direct feeding of cattle as recently speculated by some sections of the media.

The clarification was made by the director, Animal Production and Husbandary Services of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Dr Egejuru Eze, during an interview with some select journalists in Abuja, yesterday.

According to her, “With improved pasture seeds we can get excellent grass and legume seeds that are guaranteed to improve the vitality of the national herds under proper management.

“Improved pasture is of paramount importance to grazers, livestock owners, and breeders.”

She added that even if they are planted in areas with poor soil and harsh environmental conditions, they are able to produce forage of high quality, easy to maintain and self fertilising, hence there would be no need to spend huge amounts on maintenance and fertilising.

“The minister’s intention to import improved pasture seeds is aimed at enhancing the process of developing Nigerian livestock industry by sustainably increasing the nutritive value and performance of our pasture grasses and legumes, improving nitrogen level, the over all structure and health of the soil as well as ensuring all year availability of the national herds,” she said.

She added that the importation of the improved pasture seeds will also go a long way in reducing/ending the pastoralists- crop farmers clashes resulting in the loss of lives and properties.